Debra Cerda Blog Posts

Sponsors  Revision

Postgres Conference Orlando 2025 was a success, thanks in no small part to the incredible support of our sponsors and partners. These organizations not only helped make the event possible, but they’re also dedicated champions of the Postgres community. We’re truly grateful for their participation.

We’d like to give a special shout-out to each of our Orlando sponsors and partners. Every one of them plays a unique and important role in the Postgres ecosystem. We encourage our community to learn more about the work they do:

Our Conference Sponsors:

Amazon Web Services (AWS):
AWS delivers fully managed, PostgreSQL-compatible database services. These services help organizations run secure, scalable, and high-performing workloads in the cloud. Their continued support of the open source ecosystem empowers developers and users around the world.

 

Google Cloud:
Google Cloud offers powerful, fully managed PostgreSQL solutions through Cloud SQL and AlloyDB. With a focus on scalability, performance, and integrated AI capabilities, Google empowers teams to build modern applications backed by enterprise-grade Postgres.

 

Our Conference Partners:

Command Prompt, Inc:
Command Prompt is one of the oldest PostgreSQL service providers. They offer consulting, managed services, and training for mission-critical environments. Their deep experience and ongoing advocacy have made them a trusted pillar of the Postgres community.

Fujitsu:
Fujitsu is a global technology leader that provides enterprise-grade PostgreSQL solutions backed by robust support. Their long-term contributions to PostgreSQL development show their commitment to open source and scalable, high-performance deployments.

PgEdge:
PgEdge makes globally distributed PostgreSQL possible with a platform designed for edge and multi-region deployments. By bringing data closer to users, they enhance performance, resilience, and compliance for modern applications.

Quest:
Quest offers proven tools for PostgreSQL monitoring, management, and performance optimization. Their solutions help teams simplify operations, boost efficiency, and manage complex database environments with confidence.

Tacnode:
Tacnode helps organizations power AI and analytics workflows with PostgreSQL at the core. By integrating data platforms and pipelines, they enable smarter and faster data applications across industries.

Redgate:
Redgate is a long-time leader in database tooling and now brings its expertise to PostgreSQL. Their tools, focused on DevOps, automation, and version control, help teams collaborate and deliver changes with speed and safety.

Unlimited with Exceptions:
Unlimited with Exceptions offers integrative health and wellness coaching focused on the whole person, including mind, body, and spirit. Through personalized guidance, they help individuals achieve balance, resilience, and sustainable well-being in daily life.

Debra Cerda     May 14, 2025

As part of the countdown to Postgres Conference 2024, learn more about the engaging content and our speakers for this year in our Speaker Spotlight Series.

Dave Stokes is author of "MySQL & JSON - A Practical Programming Guide," and serves as a Technology Evangelist for Percona, advocating for MySQL innovation and best practices.

Dave will present “MERGE() - A Quick Introduction”. Read what Dave has to say about Postgres and why to attend their session:

Why should attendees come to your talk at Postgres Conference 2024? What would you like for them to take away from your session?
I like to show attendees new facets on old tools and help beginners master the very steep learning curves of today's world.

What is your favorite aspect of Postgres Conference?
The hallway track.

What advice would you have for a Computer Science graduate or entry level developer who is interested in learning and engaging with Postgres and other open source technologies?
You learn by breaking and repairing. After awhile you can learn to minimize the breakage but never the repairing.
And when you go to a show like Postgres Conference 2024 and have an open slot in the schedule, go attend a session on a subject you know absolutely nothing about. You will either learn that you do not like the subject and have only spent an hour of your life on something that does not interest you, or you will find another rabbit hole to explore.

How do you see the use of open source technologies evolving over the next five years?
PostgreSQL will be the dominant database. Sadly license changes may push us back to a pre-open source era when you had minimal or no choices in software.
What considerations should be taken for the adoption and use of Postgres and related open source technologies?
It needs to be more robust. Better replication that is easier to set up, no XID wrap-around, and easy upgrades.

Additional comments?
This is a great show - make the most of your opportunities.

Check out the full schedule for PostgresConf US 2024. Learn more about our conference here and buy your tickets soon!

Debra Cerda     April 17, 2024     speaker spotlight

 

As part of the countdown to Postgres Conference 2024, learn more about the engaging content and our speakers for this year in our Speaker Spotlight Series.

Relevant Logic President/CEO Guyren Howe is a web developer, trainer, database expert, technical writer, and more specializing in PostgreSQL, Flutter, and Rails. Guyren will present “Postgres’s Type System” at Postgres Conference 2024. Read what Guyren has to say about Postgres and why to attend his session:

Why should attendees come to your talk at Postgres Conference 2024?

What would you like for them to take away from your session? Learn the important details of Postgres's type system: the built-in types, extension types, domains, arrays and custom types.

What is your favorite aspect of Postgres Conference?

My talk :)

What advice would you have for a Computer Science graduate or entry level developer who are interested in learning and engaging with Postgres and other open source technologies?

Follow the pgsql-general list. Learn relational theory. Don't listen to the database haters.

How do you see the use of open source technologies evolving over the next five years?

I foresee an open source boom as AI technologies can work with open source much better than closed.

 

Check out the full schedule for PostgresConf US 2024. Learn more about our conference here and buy your tickets soon!

As part of the countdown to Postgres Conference 2024, learn more about the engaging content and our speakers for this year in our Speaker Spotlight Series.

Chandra Pathivada is is a Senior Database Specialist Solutions Architect with Amazon Web Services. He works with the AWS RDS team, focusing on Open Source database engines like RDS PostgreSQL, Aurora PostgreSQL, and Babelfish for Aurora PostgreSQL.

Chandra will present “Why PostgreSQL Isn't Utilizing Indexes: Diagnosing and Solving Performance Issues" and "Behind the Scenes: Demystifying Transaction Isolation in App Development". Read what Chandra has to say about Postgres and why to attend their session:

Why should attendees come to your talk at Postgres Conference 2024? What would you like for them to take away from your session?
This talk dives into the core concepts, shedding light on the real-world implications of different isolation levels on performance and integrity. Through interactive examples and case studies, attendees will learn how to navigate common pitfalls and optimize application performance, balancing concurrency with isolation effectively. Gain the knowledge and best practices necessary to implement error-free database-backed applications, making it an invaluable opportunity for anyone looking to enhance their expertise in database management and application development.

What is your favorite aspect of Postgres Conference?
Engage with the PostgreSQL community. This conference offers a rich tapestry of learning, sharing, and networking. It's where boundaries of knowledge expand through collaboration and where every attendee, regardless of expertise, finds value and inspiration.

What advice would you have for a Computer Science graduate or entry level developer who are interested in learning and engaging with Postgres and other open source technologies?
Start with fundamentals through hands-on practice, engage with the community through forums and meetups, and contribute to projects. Expand your knowledge through tutorials and start building your own projects. Have a mentor and network with professionals specializing in areas of interest.

How do you see the use of open source technologies evolving over the next five years?
In the next five years, open-source technologies are set to play a pivotal role in innovation, with a growing preference among developers and organizations to initiate their projects or migrate from commercial to open-source solutions. The community-driven nature of these technologies will fuel the addition of new features, enhancing their value and appeal.

Check out the full schedule for PostgresConf US 2024. Learn more about our conference here and buy your tickets soon!

Debra Cerda     May 07, 2024     speaker spotlight

Attention PostgresConf US 2018 registered (and potential) attendees -- our discounted room block at the Westin Jersey City Newport has sold out! We have arranged to add an additional small block, lasting until Monday, March 26th or until it sells out.

HOWEVER, these rooms are selling fast so make your reservation ASAP if interested in staying at the Westin with the special conference rate of $260/night plus applicable taxes for attendees who make their reservations via the dedicated Westin webpage or via telephone (888) 627-7148.

If booking via telephone please mention "PostgresConf US 2018" to receive the group rate. Guest room wifi is included in the room rate.

The Westin Jersey City Newport is the best place to stay and enjoy all conference activities. Attendees will mingle at the Westin bar and hallways throughout the afternoon and long into the evening.

Additional Lodging Options

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Suites Jersey City and the Courtyard Jersey City Newport  are two conveniently located hotels just a short walk from the conference. Rooms may be booked via their respective websites.

PostgresConf US Attendee Poll - Action Needed!

Our PostgresConf US 2018 poll is now open -- your input is valued!

Please take two minutes to provide feedback so we can ensure that the conference is a great experience. Registered attendees should have received an email this week with the poll link. Contact us at organizers@postgresconf.org if you did not receive the poll link.

The purpose of this quick poll is to note any dietary restrictions and gauge interest in the Greenplum and RIS Summits, as well as some of our popular sessions so that we can assign room spaces accordingly

Sponsors

During PostgresConf, you will have plenty of opportunity to meet our great sponsors, including:

  • Diamond: Amazon Web Services, Pivotal
  • Platinum: Compose, OpenSCG, 2ndQuadrant, Microsoft
  • Many more!

For more information, please visit our website https://postgresconf.org/conferences/2018.

Need further assistance? Contact us at organizers@postgresconf.org.

We look forward to seeing you in April in Jersey City!

Debra Cerda     March 21, 2018     postgres

Call for Speakers: Join Us at Postgres Conference Seattle 2024!

We are excited to announce that the Postgres Conference Seattle 2024 is accepting speaker submissions! This is your chance to share your knowledge, insights, and experiences with the global PostgreSQL community in one of the world’s most innovative tech hubs. Whether you're a seasoned PostgreSQL expert or have unique insights on emerging trends, this is the perfect stage to amplify your voice and make an impact.

Why Speak at Postgres Conference: Seattle

As the largest PostgreSQL gathering in the U.S., Postgres Conference: Seattle 2024 brings together users, developers, DBAs, and thought leaders from diverse industries including FinTech, HealthTech, EdTech, and more! Here’s why you should consider submitting a proposal:

  1. Expand Your Reach: Presenting at the conference will allow you to connect with hundreds of like-minded professionals, influencers, and companies shaping the future of data management.
  2. Share Your Expertise: Whether you're a PostgreSQL guru or a curious learner with unique insights, your contribution can help others grow in their own Postgres journey.
  3. Professional Recognition: Gain visibility and recognition within the Postgres community and broader tech industry. Being a speaker enhances your profile and can open doors for future collaborations, partnerships, or even job opportunities.
  4. Contribute to the PostgreSQL Ecosystem: PostgreSQL continues to evolve rapidly. By sharing your experiences, you contribute to the collective growth and innovation of this incredible open-source database system.

Tracks for Every Interest

We’re looking for speakers across various areas of expertise. If you work in development, operations, or the essential aspects of PostgreSQL usage, we want to hear from you! Here’s a quick overview of our three main tracks:

Development (Dev) Track

Do you have cutting-edge insights on PostgreSQL development? This track is for talks focused on building, optimizing, and scaling applications using PostgreSQL. Some of the topics you could cover include:

  • Query optimization and performance tuning
  • Building and deploying PostgreSQL-based applications
  • Best practices in database schema design
  • Case studies of innovative solutions using PostgreSQL

Whether you're diving into PL/pgSQL, extending Postgres with custom functions, or exploring advanced indexing techniques, this is the perfect platform to share your expertise with fellow developers.

Operations (Ops) Track

If you’re working behind the scenes, ensuring that PostgreSQL environments are secure, scalable, and high-performing, the Ops track is for you. This track seeks submissions from database administrators, SREs, DevOps engineers, and anyone involved in the operational side of PostgreSQL, such as:

  • Scaling PostgreSQL for high-traffic applications
  • Backup and recovery strategies
  • Monitoring and observability tools
  • Managing multi-region or cloud-based Postgres instances

Share your experience on how to keep PostgreSQL running smoothly, even under the most demanding conditions.

Essentials Track

The Essentials track is perfect for those who want to speak about the core foundational aspects of PostgreSQL. It’s an ideal opportunity to present content geared toward people who are new to PostgreSQL or seeking to deepen their understanding of its key concepts. Suggested topics might include:

  • Introduction to PostgreSQL for beginners
  • SQL best practices and optimization
  • Setting up a robust PostgreSQL environment
  • Security fundamentals for database management

This track encourages first-time speakers and practitioners who want to help others navigate the essentials of working with PostgreSQL.

How to Submit Your Proposal

Submitting a proposal is easy! Simply prepare an abstract that describes your talk, its relevance to the conference tracks, and what attendees will take away from it. We encourage submissions from individuals of all backgrounds and levels of experience. Diversity of thought and experience enriches the conversation, and we welcome fresh perspectives.

Create a user account and submit your abstract, title, and description for review consideration.

Take this opportunity to shine as a thought leader in the Postgres world. Share your journey, inspire innovation, and connect with a vibrant community that’s as passionate about Postgres as you are. Submit your proposal today and join us in Seattle for an unforgettable experience!

Important Dates:

Submission Deadline: Monday, September 30th, midnight Pacific Time/ 3 am ET

Event Dates: November 6 - 7, 2024

Ready to Submit?

To submit your proposal and find more details, head to our submission page. Questions can be directed to organizers@postgresconf.org. We look forward to seeing you in Seattle!

We can’t wait to hear from you. Let’s shape the future of Postgres together!

Debra Cerda     September 26, 2024     seattle postgres open source conference

As part of the countdown to Postgres Conference 2024, learn more about the engaging content and our speakers for this year in our Speaker Spotlight Series.

Robert Bernier is senior PostgreSQL consultant at Percona.

Robert will present Working With The Citus Extension. Read what Robert has to say about Postgres and why to attend their session:

Why should attendees come to your talk at Postgres Conference 2024? What would you like for them to take away from your session?
For people who have heard about Citus but know nothing about it.
What is your favorite aspect of Postgres Conference?
Meeting my peers
What advice would you have for a Computer Science graduate or entry level developer who are interested in learning and engaging with Postgres and other open source technologies?
Data eats the world. Focus on learning about your data and how it's used.
How do you see the use of open source technologies evolving over the next five years?
PostgreSQL is a General Purpose Management System. It will come to dominate the DBMS world.
What considerations should be taken for the adoption and use of Postgres and related open source technologies?
Three talents:
- know your SQL
- know your OS (linux)
- know a programming language

Check out the full schedule for PostgresConf US 2024. Learn more about our conference here and buy your tickets soon!

Debra Cerda     April 18, 2024     speaker spotlight

As part of the countdown to PostgresConf US 2018, learn more about the engaging content and our speakers for this year in our Speaker Spotlight Series.

Tom Limoncelli is the SRE Manager at StackOverflow.com and author of Time Management for System Administrators (O'Reilly). He is co-author of The Practice of System and Network Administration (3rd edition just released) and The Practice of Cloud System Administration.  

Tom will be presenting a half-day training on Monday, April 16 on "Personal Time Management: The Basics for Overloaded People." Read what he has to say about Postgres and why to attend his session:

Why PostgreSQL? What got you into it, and made you stick with it?

The startup I was at in 2003 needed a database. Since we did a lot of work with IP and network addresses, we picked PostgreSQL because it supports those as native types.

Tell us about your involvement with the greater Postgres community. 

I'm new to the greater Postgres community. I've been a system administrator since 1988 and often speak on related topics.

What features should be developed/improved and released in the next major upgrade?

Anything that makes replication and failovers easier and more reliable. 

Why should attendees come to your talk at PostgresConf US 2018? What would you like for them to take away from your session?

Time management: you will gain an additional day out of every week. Radical ideas: you'll learn how modern software ("distributed computing") is radically changing how we build systems and do operations. I'd like to give them hope for the future.

What is your favorite aspect of PostgresConf US?

That it's in my back yard!  I live 10 miles from here!

What advice would you have for a Computer Science graduate or entry level developer who are interested in learning and engaging with Postgres?

Give yourself projects. Try to break things and then see if you can repair them.  You'll learn more from recovering a failed system than anything else.

Bonus Question: You can invite any three living people from anywhere in the world to dinner. Who do you invite and why?

Obama (because I'd like to thank him), Steve Martin (because he has an amazing life story and is super smart), and Jennifer Lawrence (she also has an interesting life story).  I also think that these three people would get along well.

Check out the full schedule for PostgresConf US 2018, and buy your tickets soon!

 

  

As part of the countdown to Postgres Conference 2024, learn more about the engaging content and our speakers for this year in our Speaker Spotlight Series.

Manish Shah is founder and CEO of Datasparc, and brings expertise in product development, database security, and scalable cloud systems. His thought leadership and patent ownership in sensitive data discovery and protection underscore his ability to influence and innovate in the field.

Manish will present "Zero Trust database access with DBHawk". Read what Manish has to say about Postgres and why to attend his session:

Why should attendees come to your talk at Postgres Conference 2024? What would you like for them to take away from your session?

Join the session exploring critical database security and access challenges. Manish will dissect current issues and provide solutions for achieving precise zero-trust database access.


What is your favorite aspect of Postgres Conference?
Meeting face-to-face Postgres users.

What advice would you have for a Computer Science graduate or entry level developer who are interested in learning and engaging with Postgres and other open source technologies?
Learn SQL and other programming language. Install Postgres and start playing with it.

How do you see the use of open source technologies evolving over the next five years?
Businesses are recognizing the value of open source software, and its adoption in the enterprise is expected to grow.

What considerations should be taken for the adoption and use of Postgres and related open source technologies?
Strong security and reliable support are crucial for wider adoption of Postgres. After all, data is an organization's most valuable asset.

Check out the full schedule for PostgresConf US 2024. Learn more about our conference here and buy your tickets soon!

 

 

Debra Cerda     April 17, 2024     speaker spotlight